I will however always remember him fondly for throwing Steve Serby's ass into a locker. FTW. He was also one of the few NFL players who understood the economics of the game in the 1970s and 1980s. Todd had the foresight to vote against the disastrous 1982 players’ strike, which accomplished nothing for the players except costing them seven game checks, and in the early 1980s he negotiated his own contract, without an agent — a contract that made him one of the highest-paid players in the league. Not surprisingly he works today in the finance industry. Richard Todd's Jet Career Highlights: Sept. 24, 1978 - Breaks left collarbone in game against Washington and misses next seven games. Nov. 19, 1978 - Returns to lineup, breaks collarbone again and spends rest of season on injured reserve list. Sept. 9, 1979 - Replaces Matt Robinson as starter for second game of season, beginning of his 76-game streak Jet starting quarterback. Feb. 1, 1980 - Competition for job ends as Jets trade Robinson to Denver. Sept. 21, 1980 - Sets N.F.L. record for most passes completed, 42 of 60 for 447 yards, as San Francisco beats Jets, 37-27. Nov. 22, 1981 - Playing with broken rib and a sprained ankle, he completes 7 of 7 passes to 7 receivers in 77- yard drive leading to touchdown with 16 seconds remaining that gives Jets a 16-15 victory over Miami Dolphins and a share of first place in A.F.C. East. Dec. 27, 1981 - Leads comeback from 24-0 in wild-card playoff game against Buffalo, but is intercepted on Bills' 2-yard-line with 10 seconds left, and Jets fall short, 31-27. Dec. 6, 1982 - Passes for 384 yards, including touchdowns of 56 and 41 yards to Wesley Walker in first half, as Jets win in Detroit, 28-13. Jan. 9, 1983 - Completes 20 of 28 passes for 269 yards and 2 touchdowns, as Jets upset Bengals in first- round playoff game at Cincinnati, 44- 17. Jan. 15, 1983 - Completes 15 of 24 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown, as Jets upset Raiders in second-round playoff game at Los Angeles, 17-14. Jan. 23, 1983 - Intercepted 5 times while completing only 15 of 37 passes for 103 yards, as Miami beats Jets, 14- 0, in A.F.C. championship game at Miami. Dec. 16, 1983 - Intercepted twice for touchdowns in final quarter in 34- 14 loss at Miami. Feb. 18, 1984 - Traded to New Orleans for a first-round draft choice.
Richard Todd was a fan favorite (mine too) during his Alabama career. He was an ideal QB for Bama's wishbone offense at the time, but he would have been good as a pro-style QB as well. The wishbone was just too dominant and Bama had such a stable of RB's that it was not feasible to run anything else. The OL was also more suited for the run game than pass protection. When Todd was drafted by the Jets, I was really excited at the possibility of him being the successor to Joe Namath and having a great career as a Jet. My hope at the time was that he would just be the next in a line of Bama QB's to lead the Jets to greatness. I think he did have a good run and played very well on some teams that overachieved when you look at the talent and the talent on the other teams in the league at that time. I've seen some Jets fans who have a negative feeling about Todd, and that is ok by me, it is their prerogative to have that opinion. My feelings about his Jets career was always wishing that he could have been surrounded by the same type of talent as he was in college. By that I mean having better talent around him than the opponents had on a week-to-week basis, not saying Bama had all-NFL talent. I saw him make some amazing throws in college even though he was not known as a gunslinger. He had the arm to make any throw, and accurate out of the pocket and on the move. But, he was most impressive running the option and turning the ball up field and gaining tough yards.
BamaJet - I'm only a few years younger than you, and I was in "the prime" of my Jets fan years during Todd's time here. I was fortunate to be at some of his finest Shea moments (16-15 over Miami) and also his lowest (The Bill Simpson INT). I think all in all when you consider the history of this franchise, Richard Todd's Jets career was a plus. Anyone here remember who we drafted with the #1 pick we received from New Orleans? Funny how our perspectives change regarding the draft. Looking at that now, I can't believe we got a first rounder for him, but at the time my feeling was "what? a draft pick? that's it?" Go back and look up what we got from Denver for Matt Robinson, and you won't believe your eyes. Times have changed where the draft is concerned. In a big way.
Wassup Bama-Slamma-Jet!! Like you, I'm a long-time Jet-Junkie (since '67) AND a B'way Joe-stan! I've been a member here for a short while but was prev'ly a long-time "lurker"! Born & raised in NYC (Jet/Met/Knick fan) but now "imprisoned" in the state of NJ by way 0f marriage (wif-ee's from Joisey). In short, I find this place - GangGreen.com - informative, brutal, hilarious, aggravating, gratifying, mind-numbing, insane & eye-opening; just a few of the many descriptions defining this great site! Sit back, speak your mind, ignore the VERY few who like to ridicule differing opinions," listen", learn & just have fun with homiez who share the same passion as you; Luv of all things JETS! Peace 2-Fingers Bama!
